German Lebkuchen, that special German gingerbread, whatever you create with this recipe it will always be delicious. Anything from spicy ginger cookies, Oktoberfest or Valentine's Day Hearts, Witches' Cottages and Gingerbread Men, to Halloween Ghosts, Christmas decorations or aromatic Lanterns.

Advent in Germany and the traditional "Weihnachtsmärkte" begin to open. Famous the world over the Christmas Markets, with their enchanting nostalgic atmosphere and delicious seasonal aromas, are an intrinsic and unforgettable part of the German holiday season.

There would be no Santa Claus if there hadn't been a St. Nicholas, as his reputation as a secret benefactor and giver of gifts was the inspiration for "Sinterklaas". With St. Nicholas Eve on December 5, and December 6 St. Nicholas Day, "Nikolaus" is a magical time in many regions of Europe.

December 1...time to open one of the doors of the Advent Calendar, and discover the first of its twenty-four surprises. The countdown to Heiligabend, Christmas Eve, has begun and for generations an Adventskalender has been one of Germany's much loved Weihnachtszeit holiday traditions.

Advent Wreaths don't decorate doors in Germany, they sit on flat surfaces or hang from a height and have four candles surrounded by evergreen foliage. One for each of Advent's four weeks. "Die Adventskränze", are just one of many traditions that are a part of Christmas in Germany.

No St. Martin's Day and St. Nicholas in German speaking countries would be complete without a "Stutenkerl", "Nikolaus" or "Weckmann". The same "Bread Man" just a different name depending on the region, it is a traditional sweet yeast dough holiday specialty, here is its "story" and a recipe.